“I Am” vs. “I Have”: The Power of Language in ADHD Identity | Adulting with ADHD Podcast

How we talk about ADHD matters. Words can shape not just how others see us, but how we see ourselves.

For many ADHDers, a simple shift in language—whether you say “I am ADHD” or “I have ADHD”—can carry a lot of weight. It reflects how deeply ADHD is woven into your identity and how you choose to embrace or distance yourself from it.

Watch the episode on our YouTube channel >>>

ADHD as an Identity

When someone says “I am ADHD,” they’re claiming ADHD as a fundamental part of who they are. It’s not just a label or diagnosis; it’s a lens through which they experience the world. ADHD affects how you think, feel, and interact with everything around you. For some, this phrasing is empowering. It’s a way to reject the stigma and own their neurodivergence without apology.

By saying “I am ADHD,” you’re acknowledging that ADHD isn’t something external or temporary. It’s part of your brain’s wiring, influencing your creativity, energy, and unique perspective. This approach can help people feel more integrated and authentic, especially within the ADHD community.

ADHD as a Condition

On the flip side, “I have ADHD” treats ADHD more like a condition—something you manage, not something you are. This language can feel less overwhelming and more hopeful for those who see ADHD as just one piece of their identity, not the defining feature. It’s similar to how someone might say “I have diabetes” rather than “I am diabetic.”

For some, separating themselves from their ADHD diagnosis offers a sense of control. It can help reframe challenges as things to be worked on or adjusted, rather than inherent traits that can’t be changed.

Why Language Matters

Neither way is right or wrong. It’s all about personal preference and what resonates with your experience. What’s most important is having the freedom to choose how you define your relationship with ADHD—whether that’s fully embracing it as a core part of who you are or treating it as one part of a much bigger picture.

The words you use to describe yourself are powerful. They can help you own your story, connect with others, and create a narrative that feels true to you. Whether you say “I am ADHD” or “I have ADHD,” the important thing is that it’s your story to tell.

In this episode, co-founders Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith discuss a core question many ADHDers wrestle with: Are we defined by ADHD, or is it simply one part of who we are? This conversation sheds light on the power of framing our identity in ways that bring clarity, peace, and agency to those with ADHD.